Ready to bring a little bit of sunshine into your home? This detailed crochet pattern will guide you in creating a beautiful sunflower that’s perfect for brightening up any space. Its iconic two-color design, with a rich brown center and bright yellow petals, captures the essence of a real sunflower and is a joy to create.
This pattern is versatile. You can make a set of these to use as vibrant coasters, or you can use them as appliqués to add a pop of cheer to a tote bag, hat, or even a cozy blanket. With a clear, step-by-step guide and plenty of helpful tips, you’ll be able to crochet your very own field of sunflowers in no time.
Your Essential Materials Checklist
Choosing the right materials is the first step toward a perfect finished piece. For this pattern, a few key choices will ensure your sunflower looks its best.
- Yarn: I highly recommend using worsted-weight (size 4) 100% cotton yarn. Cotton is durable, absorbent, and holds its shape beautifully, which is perfect for coasters and appliqués. The image shows two colors:
- Color A: For the center (a dark brown or chocolate color).
- Color B: For the petals (a vibrant yellow).
- Crochet Hook: A 4.0mm (G-6) or 4.5mm (G-7) hook is an excellent choice. Use a hook size that gives you a firm, tight fabric. This is important for keeping the flower sturdy and preventing it from stretching out of shape.
- Essential Tools: You will need a pair of scissors and a tapestry needle to weave in your ends. A tapestry needle is crucial for a clean, professional finish.
Stitches and Techniques
This pattern uses a variety of basic crochet stitches to create the unique shape of the petals. A quick review can be helpful if you’re unfamiliar with any of these.
- Magic Ring (mr): The best way to start a project in the round. It creates a tightly closed center with no hole.
- Slip Stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds and move your yarn without adding height.
- Single Crochet (sc): The most basic stitch, used for a dense, tight fabric.
- Half-Double Crochet (hdc): Taller than a single crochet, shorter than a double crochet.
- Double Crochet (dc): A classic stitch that adds height.
- Treble (Triple) Crochet (tr): The tallest stitch used in this pattern, which creates the point of the petal.
The Pattern
All instructions are written in US crochet terms. The flower is worked in continuous rounds, joining with a slip stitch at the end of each round unless otherwise noted. The beginning chains do not count as a stitch.
Part 1: The Sunflower Center (Color A)
- Round 1: Start with a magic ring (mr). Or, you can chain 4 and sl st to the first ch to form a ring. Work 12 sc into the ring. Pull the magic ring tight to close the center. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (12 sts)
- Round 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 sc into the same stitch. Work 2 sc into each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (24 sts)
- Round 3: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 hdc in the same stitch. Work 2 hdc into each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first hdc. (48 sts)
Fasten off Color A, leaving a tail long enough to weave in securely.
Part 2: The Sunflower Petals (Color B)
- Round 4: Attach Color B to any stitch from the previous round by pulling up a loop. Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 sc in the same stitch.
- Work 1 sc in the next stitch. Then, create your first petal by working the following stitches all into the next stitch: [hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc].
- Work 1 sc in the next stitch. Then sl st into the next stitch to secure the base of the petal.
- Repeat from * to * around, creating a total of 12 petals. Join with a sl st to the first sc of the round. (12 petals)
Fasten off Color B, leaving a tail long enough to weave in securely.
Video tutorial
Finishing Touches
- Weave in All Ends: Use your tapestry needle to carefully and securely weave in all your yarn ends. This is the key to a professional-looking finished piece and will prevent your project from unraveling.
- Blocking (Optional but Recommended): To make your sunflower lay perfectly flat and to define the stitches, you can block it. Simply get the flower wet, gently squeeze out the excess water, and lay it flat on a towel. Use your fingers to shape the petals, and then let it air dry completely.
Your cheerful crochet sunflower is now complete! You can make a whole set in different color combinations or sew it onto a finished project for a lovely, handmade touch.
